The next phase in the school choice wars
The church must help put partisanship behind and work for better education for all students.
In the wake of the Chicago Public School leadership's recent announcement to reevaluate its school choice policy, the conversation around educational reform in Chicago has once again ignited. As the CPS board considers moving away from selective admissions and enrollment policies, this pivot raises significant questions about the future of education in our city.
The AND Campaign recognizes the critical role that the church must play in this next phase of "school reform wars." It is essential for the church to engage deeply and thoughtfully in this conversation, advocating for reforms that serve all students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, without falling prey to partisanship.
One of the most pressing concerns is the reality that was discovered by the Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute: while school choice reforms have had positive impacts for many Chicago students, Black students have not benefited equally. This disparity is a crucial issue that must be addressed by both proponents and critics of school choice.
Supporters of school choice must be challenged not to be complacent in systems that leave Black families behind. It's imperative to ensure that reforms do not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather work toward inclusive solutions that uplift all students.
Conversely, those opposed to school choice must articulate how retreating from reforms that have shown positive results for so many students will benefit Black students, particularly given that these reforms were initially instigated due to poor performance in traditional systems. Simply reverting to previous norms, which failed a generation of students, is not a viable solution.
Beyond the debate on school choice, it is critical to recognize that the most predictive factor for a child’s academic success (regardless of race or income) is the active involvement of a parent. This fact places the family at the center of student success, not the school system. The church must be uncompromising on the message that any educational reform must consider and support the role of families in education.
The church in Chicago has a unique and powerful role to play. Churches are not only spiritual centers, but also community hubs that can mobilize resources, offer support, and provide a platform for dialogue. By engaging in this issue, the church can help bridge divides and foster a better conversation about educational reform.
This involvement, however, must transcend traditional ideological lines. The "education war tribalism" that has long gripped Chicago serves no one, least of all our children. The church must rise above these divisions, advocating for equitable and effective solutions that prioritize the well-being and future of all students in Chicago.
As we move forward, the church must be a voice for reason, unity, and progress. By engaging constructively with all stakeholders and keeping the focus on the needs of students and families, the church can play a pivotal role in shaping an educational system that truly serves every child in Chicago. Let this be a call to action for our faith communities to step forward and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our city's youth.
Do you have ideas for future Civic Update stories or want to contribute a story yourself? Email our editor by clicking the button below!
The Round Up
Here are the stories that caught our eyes this week and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
Northern Illinois Food Bank receives crucial support amid increasing demand
A new report is warning that many families could lose access to food aid next year.
Funding is in jeopardy as more Americans are going hungry and food banks are struggling to keep up with demand.
Thankfully, the Northern Illinois Food Bank received a major helping hand on Wednesday just in time for the holidays.
The food bank is helping twice as many people suffering from food insecurity than before the pandemic. The biggest culprit in this case is inflation.
Illinois bill mandating paid leave for nearly all workers in state takes effect Jan. 1
Nearly all workers in the state of Illinois will officially be guaranteed at least one week of paid leave in the new year.
As part of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, Illinois employees who work for companies with at least five employees will be eligible for a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave per year. Employers can offer more if they choose to do so.
The Chicago City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to delay the implementation of a new law until July 1 that will ensure most Chicago workers get at least 10 days of paid time off every year.
The City Council voted 36-12 Nov. 9 to approve the original measure, which had been set to take effect Dec. 31. The law will ensure all Chicago workers get five days of sick time and five days of paid time off annually.
The delay means that Illinois workers outside Chicago will have more flexibility to take paid time off than those in the city. Starting Jan. 1, a measure signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker will require employers statewide to give their workers at least one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked. That will entitle employees to five days of paid time off every year, for any reason, according to the law.
Newsclips
Former President Obama surprises South Side school dressed as Santa
Illinois NAACP leader faces calls to resign over controversial migrant remarks
Heartland Alliance cuts 65 jobs and shuts affordable housing division
Migrant crisis
Chicago City Council adjourns without taking up sanctuary city referendum
City paying well more than typical rent for migrant shelter buildings — and keeping details secret
The harrowing journeys of migrants are revealed in the quiet spaces of Chicago
Chicago Mayor Johnson defends migrant camp environmental approach
Chicago migrants bus impounded by city for first time
'Rogue' buses are trying to dump migrants in Cicero and leave to avoid Chicago fines
Words of wisdom on the school choice debate!